BUZZ from the HUB graphic showing the parentcenterhub.org website address

June 2025 View as Webpage

“We will fail when we fail to try."

~ Rosa Parks

Welcome to June’s edition of the Buzz from the Hub! As always, the CPIR is excited to share updates and valuable resources for families, educators, youth, and advocates in the disability community. In this edition, some of the resources you’ll find are:

a short video from ECAC introducing youth to the basics of speaking up and making decisions;
application for the DEC Conference Scholarship;
a helpful guide debunking 5 myths about inclusion, developed by the TIES Center and partners;
a Self-Advocacy Storytelling Toolkit; and
resources on the mental health needs of Black youth and families from the Child Mind Institute.

Last, but not least, check out the virtual events scheduled in June and July in the Upcoming Events section.

Best wishes and happy reading,

The CPIR Team

Featured Resource!

Self-Advocacy Is for Everyone

Self-advocacy. What is it and how can you start practicing advocating for yourself? The video, Self-Advocacy Is for Everyone by the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC), illustrates how individuals can learn to speak up for themselves, make informed decisions, and actively participate in shaping their own lives.

Watch the video here.

Shareable Resources

Early Childhood

Apply Now for the DEC Conference Scholarship and Waiver for Families!

Are you a family member of a young child with disabilities or developmental delays? The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children wants YOU at their annual conference! They’re offering scholarships and registration waivers to help make it easier for families to attend and share their voices. Scholarships are due June 16th.

Apply for the scholarship here.

Education

Myths and Facts About Inclusive Education

The TIES Center collaborated with the Sacramento County Office of Education and California Includes to publish a resource on 5 myths about inclusive education. Myths and Facts About Inclusive Education identifies 5 myths and addresses these myths with the facts.

Find more information and access the resource here.

Youth & Young Adults

Self-Advocacy Storytelling Toolkit

Another great tool on self-advocacy! The Self-Advocacy Storytelling Toolkit, developed by the Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI), is a guide to empower youth with disabilities in sharing their personal stories effectively.

Access the guide here.

Parent Leadership

Mental Health Support for Black Families

The Child Mind Institute has developed a suite of resources that address the mental health needs of Black children and young adults, including webinars and articles.

Check out the webpage and access the study that they conducted here.

Upcoming Events

Understanding special education to support your Native American child

Are you the parent, guardian, or family member of a Native American student in special education? Join PACER’s Native American family advocate for a workshop to deepen your understanding of special education. Attendees will learn about Individualized Educational Programs (IEP), the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), parent involvement, and how to advocate for your child in their school community. The presentation will be followed by an open Q&A session.

When: Jun 26, 2025

Time: 06:00 p.m. EST

Empowering Youth Engagement: Insights from RAISE Mini-Projects

RAISE mini-grant recipients will share their experiences co-creating resources with youth leaders with disabilities, strengthening engagement, fostering innovation, and building lasting partnerships.

When: July 21, 2025

Time: 2 p.m. EST

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Publication of this e-Newsletter is made possible through Cooperative Agreement H328R230009 between OSEP and the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or by the Center for Parent Information and Resources.

The Center for Parent Information & Resources at SPAN | 570 Broad Street, Suite 702, Newark, NJ 07102

800-654-7726 | parentcenterhub.org